Cowboys serve up triple treat

IT'S a triple treat when the Cowboys host the Titans in the first NRL trial to be held at Mackay's Virgin Australia Stadium on February 18.

A crowd of 8000 is tipped to watch the likes of Cowboys superstars Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen take on Titans stars Scott Prince and Greg Bird, just two weeks out from the opening round of the NRL when the sides will again clash.

Cowboys football manager Peter Parr said on Thursday he was certain the two sides would field all their star rep players, with the game so close to the opening round.

It will be the first NRL trial in Mackay since 2007, and in what is thought to be a first the Cowboys and Titans' U20 sides will also play, along with the STM Mackay Cutters up against the CQ Capras from Rockhampton.

"Not only is it the first NRL trial for Virgin Australia Stadium, it's the first time the NRL and U20 sides have played together outside of the NRL. And with the Cutters also playing, it's going to be a great day of football."

Tickets go on sale at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Monday. Grandstand tickets are $35, adult outer $25, pensioners and high school students $20 and children $15.